Metra to Possibly Increase Fares

  Metra has proposed a fare increase in hopes of off-setting their budget deficit.  Monthly passes could jump 30%, 10 ride passes could see a 32% fare increase, and one-way tickets might cost 17% more.  Even though Metra has increased fares in the recent past, they still wish to bring in more revenue.  With a bad economy, this is a tough decision on Metra's part and will be even tougher on commuters.  Some commuters that live closer to Chicago, but still take the train, feel that with the fare increase, they might as well drive to work.  I personally think this fare increase is coming at a horrible time.  Many people are struggling with the recession to make ends meet.  Also, I had always thought that people should be encouraged to take public transportation to cut down on pollution among other things.  If people feel that driving their own car to work is more cost efficient then taking the train, then any "going green" idea is lost.